Things to do in Amsterdam: top sights, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Grachtengordel canals and the Jordaan district. Two days covers the highlights; with one day, focus on the Rijksmuseum, the canals and the Anne Frank House, whose tickets are sold only online.
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More Amsterdam guides
- Amsterdam in one dayA one-day Amsterdam route: Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, Jordaan, Anne Frank House and the canals, with times, lunch ideas and tips to save time.
- Amsterdam in 2 daysA 2-day Amsterdam itinerary: day 1 Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and Vondelpark; day 2 Anne Frank House, Jordaan, canals and Rembrandthuis. Times and tips.
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Amsterdam's must-sees
Amsterdam is compact: the essentials sit inside the canal ring and around the museum square. The key is to book the two or three museums you care about most well in advance.
- 1
Museumplein
Rijksmuseum
The largest collection of Dutch art: Rembrandt's The Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid and works by Frans Hals. Open daily 9:00 to 17:00, and a timed slot is required.
- 2
Museumplein
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest Van Gogh collection: Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters and his self-portraits. Book ahead.
- 3
Prinsengracht 263–267
Anne Frank House
The secret annex where the Frank family hid during the Second World War. Tickets are sold online only, released every Tuesday at 10am for six weeks later.
- 4
Centre
Dam Square and the Royal Palace
The historic heart of the city. Shopping streets run south from here and the canals west.
- 5
Canal ring
The Grachtengordel canals
Walk or cruise along Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best views are from the bridges.
- 6
West of the centre
Jordaan and the Nine Streets
Historic houses, galleries and cafés. The best district for wandering without a plan.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Jordaan: lanes, hofjes (hidden courtyards) and markets such as the Noordermarkt.
- De Pijp: a youthful vibe, the Albert Cuyp market and plenty of bars.
- Plantage and Oost: the Hortus Botanicus, Artis zoo and a local feel.
- Noord: free ferry from Centraal station; art, warehouses and the A'DAM Lookout.
- Vondelpark: the city's main park, beside the museum square.
Museums and art
The Museumplein triangle holds the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk (modern art). To understand a painting without an audio guide, point the AnyArt camera at it and hear its story in your language. Rembrandt's house, the Rembrandthuis, is a good addition.
Tickets, transport and when to go
- Book the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House on their official sites in advance.
- Many museums require a timed slot: don't count on walking in during high season.
- Cycling is the local way, but walking is safer in the centre; watch for bike lanes.
- Trams and the metro take contactless payment.
- In summer, go early or in the late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Pack a rain jacket: showers come and go almost all year.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Two days cover the essentials: one for the Museumplein museums, another for the canals, the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan. With three days you can add Haarlem or the tulip fields in spring.
How do you buy Anne Frank House tickets?
Only online at annefrank.org, never at the door. They go on sale every Tuesday at 10am (Amsterdam time) for visits six weeks later. Adults pay €16.50 including the booking fee.
How much is the Rijksmuseum?
€25 for adults. Under 18s are free, but everyone needs to book a time slot. Museumkaart holders also need a slot.
How do you get around Amsterdam?
On foot, by bike, or by tram, metro and bus with contactless payment. The ferry to Noord from Centraal station is free.
When is the best time to visit?
April and May for tulips and September for smaller crowds. July and August are busy and museums book up sooner.